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For many men that suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), there is a fear that it will have a long-term impact on the ability to start or grow his family. Feelings of insecurity and embarrassment often surround the conversation of ED, which prevents many men from seeking the appropriate treatment. It is important to begin a dialogue with a physician to determine, among other concerns, if your ED has a lasting fertility impact.
Is Erectile Dysfunction Normal and Treatable?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects over 30 million American men. While the situation shouldn’t be classified as “normal” because the body isn’t functioning as it should, it is fairly common—especially as one gets older.
ED itself is often a symptom of an underlying condition. Working with a medical professional to treat the cause of your ED may lead to significant improvement in your sexual function and satisfaction.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is classified as the inability to attain or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. Some men may suffer from ED sporadically, while others may see it as a chronic problem. A mix of medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors can lead to short-term or long-term erectile dysfunction. Common causes can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Cancer therapies
- Use of antidepressants
- Physiological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Being overweight
- Illicit drug use
Is Impotence a Cause of Male Infertility?
Male infertility plays a role approximately one-third of the time when couples struggle to conceive. Male infertility results from low sperm production, abnormalities in the sperm, or blockages in the sperm delivery system. While ED doesn’t directly cause male infertility, they may have the same root causes and are often seen in conjunction with each other.
Male Infertility Symptoms
For most men, the most noticeable symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. However, men that suffer from infertility may have one or more of the following symptoms as well:
- Difficulty with ejaculation
- Pain and/or swelling in the testicles
- Abnormal male breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Decreased facial or body hair (signs of a male hormone imbalance)
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive with no success, it may be time to see a reproductive specialist to determine if the cause is infertility. At Reproductive Fertility, we have been couples from Southern California, as well as across the country, create the family they’ve been dreaming of. We provide a comprehensive infertility evaluation, which includes a semen analysis.
Have More Questions?
There is no need to live in doubt when it comes to growing your family. We have offices throughout Los Angeles County in West Hollywood, Torrance, Glendora and Riverside. Please contact our office at (310) 881-8846 today! Reproductive Fertility’s team of specialists are here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.